CL2GD: Greek Drama
Module Provider: |
Classics |
Number of credits: |
20 [10 ECTS credits] |
Level: |
I (Intermediate) |
Terms in which taught: |
Spring |
Module Convenor: |
Dr
BE
Goff |
Pre-requisites: |
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Co-requisites: |
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Modules excluded: |
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Current from: |
2005/6 |
Aims:
To offer a broad discussion of the context and significance of drama in classical Athens.
To provide detailed interpretations of selected tragedies, comedies, and the only surviving satyr play, and relate those interpretations to the wider literary tradition, to visual evidence, and to the social and cultural context in which the plays were first performed.
To outline the reception of Greek tragedy and comedy by focusing on selected examples from the ancient world and modern productions.
To discuss the most influential approaches to the interpretation of ancient Greek drama in the modern world (e.g. Nietzsche, Freud, anthropological approaches). |
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of this module, students are expected to:
relate the interpretation of specific plays or passages to the original context of performance, the epic and lyric literary tradition, visual evidence, later reception;
distinguish between, and evaluate the merits of, different methodological approaches to Greek drama; and develop different styles of literary criticism;
complement the evidence and arguments presented in the lectures and seminars to additional information assembled by their own research;
analyse in detail selected passages in written commentaries;
articulate their arguments effectively and illustrate them with relevant evidence. |
Additional outcomes:
Students will improve their skills in giving oral presentations, taking part in discussion groups, and using web databases to locate ancient evidence and modern scholarly works. |
Outline content:
The course begins with an overview of the ritual and political context of Greek drama, and a discussion of the relationship between drama and the epic and lyric tradition. Selected plays are then discussed by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and comic writers. The interpretation of different plays is used to highlight different methodological approaches to the texts. |
Brief description of teaching
and learning methods:
The module will be taught by lectures and seminars with two contact hours per week. |
Contact hours:
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Autumn |
Spring |
Summer |
| Lectures |
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16 |
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| Tutorials/seminars |
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4 |
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| Practicals |
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| Other contact (eg study visits) |
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Visit
to theatre production of ancient Greek drama (optional) |
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| Total hours |
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20 + visit |
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| Number of essays or assignments |
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1 |
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| Other (eg major seminar paper) |
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Assessment:
Coursework
Students are required to produce one piece of coursework comprising an essay of 2,000 words and an integrated practical criticism of 1,000 words, to be submitted by Friday of 10th week of the term. Students may produce a second essay and practical criticism on a different topic from the first, to be handed in by week 5 of the following term. The coursework with the higher marks will be counted towards the assessment.
Relative percentage of coursework: 33%
Examinations
One two-hour paper requiring:
1. One commentary on a text discussed in the course of the lectures.
2. One essay.
Requirements for a pass
A grade of 40% overall
Reassessment arrangements
Re-examination in September. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed grade of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 1 September.
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staff
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